Dignity of the nurse : a hermeneutic literature review

Abstract

The dignity of the nurse is a value that remains to be fully embedded in the nursing profession. It is a hidden concept that nurses tend to overlook. Regard for the dignity of the nurse is crucial because it enables nurses to fulfil their duties to the best of their potential. This literature review aimed to explore and better understand the meaning of the dignity of the nurse as it appears in education and nursing practice. A hermeneutic approach underpinned the methodology in the search, acquisition, and analysis of 16 studies. Dignity of the nurse as conceptualised in this review resulted in answering the following questions: in what ways is it defined; in what context does it appear; how is it sensed, and why does it matter? The review results confirmed the impact of dignity and indignity encounters on nurses. It is crucial to prioritise the dignity of the nurse as a value of equal importance in nursing.